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If an individual feels that they have been discriminated against as a result of their marital status in the course of their employment, our specialists would welcome the opportunity to discuss the case with you. We appreciate that this is often a difficult time and offer a range of funding options to help. Please complete our online enquiry form or telephone us on 01616 966 229 and we will be happy to discuss your options and guide you through the process.
Marital status discrimination is one of the lesser-known characteristics protected from unlawful discrimination, that is to say a person who is married or in a civil partnership is protected against unlawful discrimination on the basis of their legal partnership status.
It is however, important to note that the status of being unmarried or single is not protected in the same way, nor are people who intend to marry or form a civil partnership, or who have divorced/dissolved their civil partnership.
Unlike other protected characteristics, this characteristic only applies to claims brought in the Employment Tribunal, nor can employees bring a claim on the basis of harassment connected to being a married person or in a civil partnership.
Commonly, cases involving discrimination due to marital status include claims for direct discrimination and indirect discrimination.
Given the relatively narrow scope of the claims based upon the protected characteristic of marital status, it is often the case that employees seek to bring claims on the basis of gender as well as marital status.
However, the protection afforded by the Equality Act to those who are married or in a civil partnership applies to every stage of the employment relationship i.e. advertising vacancies, recruitment, promotion, training and other opportunities, and dismissal.
An employer, can be held accountable for the conduct of their employees which gives rise to claims against business or organisation employing them.
If you believe that you have been the victim of discrimination because of your marital status or as an employer you have received a complaint of such and would like to speak to a member of our team call us on 01616 966 229 or complete our online enquiry form without delay.
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